Handbook of Public Policy Agenda Setting

Setting the agenda on agenda setting, this Handbook explores how and why private matters become public issues and occasionally government priorities. It provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the perspectives, individuals, and institutions involved in setting the government’s agenda at subnational, national, and international levels.

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Setting the agenda on agenda setting, this Handbook explores how and why private matters become public issues and occasionally government priorities. It provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the perspectives, individuals, and institutions involved in setting the government’s agenda at subnational, national, and international levels.

Drawing on contributions from leading academics across the world, this Handbook is split into five distinct parts. Part one sets public policy agenda setting in its historical context, devoting chapters to more in-depth studies of the main individual scholars and their works. Part two offers an extensive examination of the theoretical development, whilst part three provides a comprehensive look at the various institutional dimensions. Part four reviews the literature on sub-national, national and international governance levels. Finally, part five offers innovative coverage on agenda setting during crises.

The first of its kind, this Handbook will be the definitive reference tool in public policy agenda setting for scholars, students, and practitioners in political science, public policy, public administration, and mass communication.

‘The study of agenda setting and the content of public agendas are key elements of politics and political science. This outstanding collection of essays is an important volume for any scholar working in the area. It covers the origins of ideas about agenda setting, theoretical developments in the field, the institutions that play a key role in setting agendas, comparative agenda setting, and agendas and crises; indeed, everything you are likely to think about when it comes to public policy agenda setting. An invaluable resource.’ – Joel D. Aberbach, University of California, Los Angeles, US

‘This is an essential guide for scholars and policy practitioners who seek to understand the forces that shape policy agendas and their consequences for policymaking and governing. The collection provides a wealth of historical, theoretical, and empirical insights grounded in contemporary issues. The contributions enliven the field by considering comparative research issues, methodological developments, and future research agendas. The assembly of a highly distinguished set of scholars as authors makes this all the more impressive.’ – Peter J. May, University of Washington, US

‘This Handbook is an excellent resource for students and researchers who want a great introduction to the field of agenda setting and public policy. The diverse contributing authors range from established scholars to early career researchers, and the chapters really work well and integrate effectively to make an important statement about the field of agenda setting today. The editor has done a great job. This book will have a prominent place in my reading list.’ – Peter John, University College London, UK